'I still can’t understand how I’ve scored 411' – that was the reaction of the batsmen who broke the Sussex Cricket League record with an astonishing innings of 411 not out.

Willingdon opener Ryan Welch produced the astonishing innings in Division 7 East against Crowborough. The 26-year-old carried his bat and hit 22 sixes and 51 fours in his 162 balls knock at a strike rate of 253.70.

And in a massive coincidence, Tim Singer, the previous record holder of the highest score in the Sussex Cricket League with 313 for Colemans Hatch in 2019, was playing for Crowborough and had to watch his record smashed by Welch.

Welch, whose previous best score was 113 not out, said his achievement hasn’t sunk in yet. “I still haven’t processed what’s happened and the magnitude of the situation,” he said. “Obviously I’m very happy however I cannot wrap my head around the situation. I’ll need a few days to fully process what I have accomplish.”

Ryan Welch next to the scoreboard showing his incredible knock for Willingdon

placeholder image — Ryan Welch next to the scoreboard showing his incredible knock for Willingdon

And at what point did he know it was going to be a special innings? Welch said: "I was hitting the ball lovely from the first ball I faced with everything being straight out the middle of the bat but by no means did I ever anticipate that it would mean I would be 40 overs at the crease undefeated and getting into 411 runs not out

“Once I got to my hundred my batting partner said to me make it 200 and I got to 150 very quickly and then 200 very quickly and then 300 was on the cards. From there 400 became my only goal and that was my pure focus.”

Welch also suggested it was an out-of-body experience.

"It still hasn’t settled in. I still can’t understand how I’ve scored 411*, he said. “Even though I was playing in the game and hitting all the shots. It still doesn’t feel like I’ve scored 411 runs. It’s baffling to me that I’ve managed to do that.

Ryan Welch, right, pictured with previous Sussex Cricket League highest innings record holder Tim Singer, who was playing for Crowborough

"So tonight I’ll treat myself to a few beers.”

And how did his teammates react? “”All my teammates were firstly thrilled for me, but also in disbelief of the accomplishment itself,” he said.

Welch has played for Willingdon on and off for four years, He said: “I play semi-pro football for Peacehaven and Telscombe so it’s always been hard for me to dedicate anytime to cricket. I can only give around one months worth on my time to it.”

Willingdon finished their innings on 571/1 with Ryan Packham hitting 68 not out from 35 balls. Welch put on 197 for the first wicket with Michael Trewin (26) before putting on 374 with Packham.

Crowborough finished 133/9 resulting in an incredible 438-run win for Willingdon.